Patents by Inventor Curt D. Jones
Curt D. Jones has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20110076378Abstract: An apparatus and method of flash freezing an energy beverage liquid into small beads and then packaging the beads for consumers is disclosed. The beads are stored in a conventional freezer, or colder, until desired and then reconstituted into a beverage base as needed. In particular, a warm or cold beverage may be easily and affordably created using the frozen beads.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2010Publication date: March 31, 2011Inventors: Curt D. Jones, Robert Lynn
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Patent number: 7316122Abstract: A tray assembly for use in feeding liquid composition to a freezing chamber is disclosed. The tray has a plurality of projections that are designed to provide regulated discharge of the liquid composition from the tray and to feed the liquid composition into the freezing chamber in uniformly sized drops. The projections area each downwardly disposed in relation to the tray. The tray has a bottom wall with a plurality of orifices, where each orifice is associated with a corresponding projection. These projections are uniform in size and can be formed using computerized welding techniques. An alternate embodiment in which the tray is pressurized is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2004Date of Patent: January 8, 2008Assignee: Dippin' Dots, Inc.Inventors: Curt D. Jones, Stan Jones
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Patent number: 7147884Abstract: A novel frozen product and method for making the same are disclosed, wherein a beaded frozen product is intermixed with conventional ice cream. In this regard, the beaded ice cream (or other frozen produce) may be intermixed with soft-serve ice cream on an individual serving basis, or may be intermixed with ice cream manufactured on a large scale production (e.g., packaged with ice cream conventionally sold in grocery stores). With regard to individual servings, beads of ice cream may be injected at a dispensing nozzle of machine for dispensing soft-serve ice cream. Alternatively, the beaded ice cream may be introduced into a reservoir of soft-serve ice cream and intermixed through a stirring or agitation process.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2002Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Inventors: Curt D. Jones, Stan Jones
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Publication number: 20040247747Abstract: A novel frozen product and method for making the same are disclosed, wherein a beaded frozen product is intermixed with conventional ice cream. In this regard, the beaded ice cream (or other frozen produce) may be intermixed with soft-serve ice cream on an individual serving basis, or may be intermixed with ice cream manufactured on a large scale production (e.g., packaged with ice cream conventionally sold in grocery stores). With regard to individual servings, beads of ice cream may be injected at a dispensing nozzle of machine for dispensing soft-serve ice cream. Alternatively, the beaded ice cream may be introduced into a reservoir of soft-serve ice cream and intermixed through a stirring or agitation process.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2002Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventors: Curt D. Jones, Stan Jones
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Patent number: 6560973Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a method for modifying a vending machine to provide a vending machine for storing product at a temperature no greater than −40 degrees Celsius. The method of the invention includes the steps of replacing an existing refrigeration compressor with a different compressor having a higher compression and replacing an existing refrigerant with a more efficient refrigerant. Then, the length of an existing capillary tube was increased (preferably to approximately 21 inches). Finally, a new thermostat capable of achieving a −40 Celsius set point. In addition, in the preferred embodiment, the pre-existing thermostat was rewired into a safety switch, which is operable to disable the vending machine from dispensing product if the temperature exceeds the set point. A novel business method is also provided; namely a method of manufacturing and distributing ice cream.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2002Date of Patent: May 13, 2003Assignee: Dippin' Dots, Inc.Inventors: Curt D. Jones, Stan Jones, Thomas G. Timmons
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Patent number: 6555154Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel method for manufacturing popcorn-shaped frozen product, such as but not limited to ice cream. Unlike prior systems that manufactured small, beaded frozen product, the method of the present invention introduces a much larger (diametrically larger) quantity of liquid composition into the liquid refrigerant. By introducing a sufficiently large quantity of liquid composition into the liquid refrigerant, the freezing processes changes substantially, to give the final product a popcorn shape.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2002Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Dippin' Dots, Inc.Inventors: Stanley O. Jones, Curt D. Jones
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Publication number: 20020189268Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a method for modifying a vending machine to provide a vending machine for storing product at a temperature no greater than −40 degrees Celsius. The method of the invention includes the steps of replacing an existing refrigeration compressor with a different compressor having a higher compression and replacing an existing refrigerant with a more efficient refrigerant. Then, the length of an existing capillary tube was increased (preferably to approximately 21 inches). Finally, a new thermostat capable of achieving a −40 Celsius set point. In addition, in the preferred embodiment, the pre-existing thermostat was rewired into a safety switch, which is operable to disable the vending machine from dispensing product if the temperature exceeds the set point. A novel business method is also provided; namely a method of manufacturing and distributing ice cream.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2002Publication date: December 19, 2002Inventors: Curt D. Jones, Stan Jones, Thomas G. Timmons
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Patent number: 6494049Abstract: A cryogenic processor is provided for liquid feed preparation of a free-flowing frozen product comprising. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the cryogenic processor includes a freezing chamber having a substantially conical shape, at least one feed tray overlying the freezing chamber arranged and adapted to receive liquid composition from a delivery source, the tray having a plurality of orifices for the discharge of uniformly sized droplets of the composition from the feed tray, whereby the droplets are delivered by gravity into the freezing chamber there-below.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2001Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: Dippin' Dots, Inc.Inventors: Stan Jones, Milford D. Jones, Curt D. Jones
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Patent number: 6481226Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a method for modifying a vending machine to provide a vending machine for storing product at a temperature no greater than −40 degrees Celsius. The method of the invention includes the steps of replacing an existing refrigeration compressor with a different compressor having a higher compression and replacing an existing refrigerant with a more efficient refrigerant. Then, the length of an existing capillary tube was increased (preferably to approximately 21 inches). Finally, a new thermostat capable of achieving a −40 Celsius set point. In addition, in the preferred embodiment, the pre-existing thermostat was rewired into a safety switch, which is operable to disable the vending machine from dispensing product if the temperature exceeds the set point. A novel business method is also provided; namely a method of manufacturing and distributing ice cream.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2001Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Assignee: Dippin' Dots, Inc.Inventors: Curt D. Jones, Stan Jones, Thomas G. Timmons
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Publication number: 20020144608Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel method for manufacturing popcorn-shaped frozen product, such as but not limited to ice cream. Unlike prior systems that manufactured small, beaded frozen product, the method of the present invention introduces a much larger (diametrically larger) quantity of liquid composition into the liquid refrigerant. By introducing a sufficiently large quantity of liquid composition into the liquid refrigerant, the freezing processes changes substantially, to give the final product a popcorn shape.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2002Publication date: October 10, 2002Inventors: Stanley O. Jones, Curt D. Jones
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Patent number: 6401464Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a method for modifying a vending machine to provide a vending machine for storing product at a temperature no greater than −40 degrees Celsius. The method of the invention includes the steps of replacing an existing refrigeration compressor with a different compressor having a higher compression and replacing an existing refrigerant with a more efficient refrigerant. Then, the length of an existing capillary tube was increased (preferably to approximately 21 inches). Finally, a new thermostat capable of achieving a −40 Celsius set point. In addition, in the preferred embodiment, the pre-existing thermostat was rewired into a safety switch, which is operable to disable the vending machine from dispensing product if the temperature exceeds the set point. A novel business method is also provided; namely a method of manufacturing and distributing ice cream.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2001Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Dippin' Dots, Inc.Inventors: Curt D. Jones, Stan Jones, Thomas G. Timmons
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Publication number: 20020017105Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a method for modifying a vending machine to provide a vending machine for storing product at a temperature no greater than −40 degrees Celsius. The method of the invention includes the steps of replacing an existing refrigeration compressor with a different compressor having a higher compression and replacing an existing refrigerant with a more efficient refrigerant. Then, the length of an existing capillary tube was increased (preferably to approximately 21 inches). Finally, a new thermostat capable of achieving a −40 Celsius set point. In addition, in the preferred embodiment, the pre-existing thermostat was rewired into a safety switch, which is operable to disable the vending machine from dispensing product if the temperature exceeds the set point. A novel business method is also provided; namely a method of manufacturing and distributing ice cream.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2001Publication date: February 14, 2002Applicant: Dippin'Dots, Inc.Inventors: Curt D. Jones, Stan Jones, Thomas G. Timmons
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Publication number: 20020014081Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a method for modifying a vending machine to provide a vending machine for storing product at a temperature no greater than −40 degrees Celsius. The method of the invention includes the steps of replacing an existing refrigeration compressor with a different compressor having a higher compression and replacing an existing refrigerant with a more efficient refrigerant. Then, the length of an existing capillary tube was increased (preferably to approximately 21 inches). Finally, a new thermostat capable of achieving a −40 Celsius set point. In addition, in the preferred embodiment, the pre-existing thermostat was rewired into a safety switch, which is operable to disable the vending machine from dispensing product if the temperature exceeds the set point. A novel business method is also provided; namely a method of manufacturing and distributing ice cream.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2001Publication date: February 7, 2002Applicant: Dippin' Dots, Inc.Inventors: Curt D. Jones, Stan Jones, Thomas G. Timmons
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Patent number: 6308522Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a method for modifying a vending machine to provide a vending machine for storing product at a temperature no greater than −40 degrees Celsius. The method of the invention includes the steps of replacing an existing refrigeration compressor with a different compressor having a higher compression and replacing an existing refrigerant with a more efficient refrigerant. Then, the length of an existing capillary tube was increased (preferably to approximately 21 inches). Finally, a new thermostat capable of achieving a −40 Celsius set point. In addition, in the preferred embodiment, the pre-existing thermostat was rewired into a safety switch, which is operable to disable the vending machine from dispensing product if the temperature exceeds the set point. A novel business method is also provided; namely a method of manufacturing and distributing ice cream.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2000Date of Patent: October 30, 2001Assignee: Dippin' Dots, Inc.Inventors: Curt D. Jones, Stan Jones, Thomas G. Timmons
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Patent number: 6223542Abstract: A cryogenic processor for liquid feed preparation of a free-flowing frozen product incorporates a gas diffusion chamber that inhibits freezing of a droplet producing feed assembly and pre-cools liquid droplets during the production of the free-flowing frozen product. This is accomplished by providing a regulated flow of ambient air about the feed assembly in conjunction with a vacuum assembly which is used to remove excess refrigerant vapor from the gas diffusion chamber. The vacuum assembly is incorporated into the gas diffusion chamber between the feed assembly and a freezing chamber. The gas diffusion chamber also provides additional physical separation between the feed assembly and the freezing chamber to allow for pre-cooling of the falling liquid composition droplets prior to contacting liquid refrigerant in the freezing chamber therebelow. Additionally, the shape of the processor has been adapted to reduce refrigerant requirements and improve overall production efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: Dippin' Dots, Inc.Inventors: Curt D. Jones, Milford D. Jones, Stanley O. Jones
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Patent number: 6209329Abstract: The cryogenic processor comprises a tray or multiple trays that receives liquid feed composition from a delivery source. A plurality of orifices or combination of orifices and feed droppers, hereinafter feed assembly, associated with the tray are specifically arranged and adapted for discharging uniformly sized droplets of the liquid composition from the tray. In a key aspect of the improvement, a regulated flow of ambient air is provided to the feed assembly by a venturi assembly or other source of partial vacuum. The vacuum assembly allows ambient air to be pulled into the cryogenic processor and across the feed assembly which prevents liquid composition from freezing and accumulating in the flow channels of the feed assembly, thus allowing continuous formation of uniformly sized beads. Adjustable door inlets are also adapted and arranged as a means to control the flow of incoming ambient air, as well as the flow of outgoing gaseous refrigerant.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2000Date of Patent: April 3, 2001Assignee: Dippin' Dots, Inc.Inventors: Curt D. Jones, Stan Jones
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Patent number: 6000229Abstract: A cryogenic processor for liquid feed preparation of a free-flowing frozen product incorporates a gas diffusion chamber that inhibits freezing of a droplet producing feed assembly and pre-cools liquid droplets during the production of the free-flowing frozen product. This is accomplished by providing a regulated flow of ambient air about the feed assembly in conjunction with a vacuum assembly which is used to remove excess refrigerant vapor from the gas diffusion chamber. The vacuum assembly is incorporated into the gas diffusion chamber between the feed assembly and a freezing chamber. The gas diffusion chamber also provides additional physical separation between the feed assembly and the freezing chamber to allow for pre-cooling of the falling liquid composition droplets prior to contacting liquid refrigerant in the freezing chamber therebelow. Additionally, the shape of the processor has been adapted to reduce refrigerant requirements and improve overall production efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 1998Date of Patent: December 14, 1999Assignee: Dippin' Dots, Inc.Inventors: Curt D. Jones, Milford D. Jones, Stanley O. Jones
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Patent number: 5664422Abstract: A dropper assembly for feeding liquid composition to a freezing chamber comprises a tray having a plurality of feed elements that are designed to provide regulated discharge of the liquid composition from the tray and to feed the liquid composition into the freezing chamber in uniformly sized drops. The feed elements each comprise a projection that is downwardly disposed in relation to the tray. The tray has a bottom wall with a plurality of orifices, each orifice associated with a corresponding projection. The projection has an inlet opening associated with the corresponding orifice in the tray and an outlet opening where droplets are formed and released. The dimension of the inlet opening is greater than the dimension of the outlet opening. The narrowing taper of the flow channel that extends from the inlet opening to the outlet opening promotes regulated accumulation of liquid composition to facilitate regulated discharge and formation of uniformly sized droplets.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1996Date of Patent: September 9, 1997Inventor: Curt D. Jones
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Patent number: 5126156Abstract: A method for preparing and storing a free-flowing, frozen alimentary dairy product includes the steps of preparing an alimentary composition for freezing and slowly dripping the composition into a freezing chamber. Next is rapidly freezing the dripping composition into small beads so as to minimize ice crystal formation. The method continues with the storing of the beads for extended periods of time at a temperature at least as low as -20.degree. F. This maintains the free-flowing characteristic. Consumption enjoyment of the beads is increased by bringing the beads up to a temperature above -20.degree. F., preferably within a range of -10.degree. to -20.degree. F., prior to serving.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 1991Date of Patent: June 30, 1992Inventor: Curt D. Jones
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Patent number: D468073Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2001Date of Patent: January 7, 2003Assignee: Dippin' Dots, Inc.Inventors: Curt D. Jones, Stanley O. Jones